I have been a nurse for 9 years.
8 of those in pediatrics, with the most recent in pediatric critical
care. I work with COUNTLESS resident physicians and we receive a new batch of
them every June. To say I am biased would be fair.
I have my favorite doctors. I can honestly say it’s not fair to judge a
physician in residency, but there are some signs that make for amazing
pediatricians.
In my humble opinion:
1. Humbleness. There is nothing worse than a doctor who thinks he knows it
all. Does he know more than Jim Bob who works on a tractor and hasn’t gone to
high school but has held his newborn baby for three weeks every night while he
has seizures? Sure. From a book. From a previous patient. But Jim Bob knows his
own baby more than this doctor ever will. Those who are humble enough to give
the parents the right to feel like they know their own child will be fantastic
physicians.
2.
Be human. Often times, especially with new doctors, there is such an
obvious line drawn in the sand between “them” and everyone else (including
nurses and staff and patients). It’s weird when I work next to you saving a
life of a newborn but when I see you at the supermarket you act like you don’t
know me. We all are on the same level of caring for people- your education is
just different than mine. I could have gone to med school but decided to be a
nurse instead. I know what I do, but don’t think I couldn’t do the same as you
if I tried. That goes for your patients as well. When you treat others as
humans and not those who are beneath you, you will be a fantastic physician.
3.
Perfect your bedside manner. Get on the child’s level. Learn about the
new movies or what kids enjoy. Spend time talking to the parents for a moment
about where they are from or how they feel today. This will take you far and
they won’t forget it. They will ask for you.
4.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re not perfect. The work you do is terribly
exhausting and mentally straining. It’s ok to say “I don’t know” or “I’m
tired”. It’s ok to cry. The best doctors I have worked with have been gentle
with themselves on their own limitations and feelings.
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